Jandor Reaffirms Lagos Governorship Ambition, Says Movement Stronger Despite 2023 Setback

 

By oluwaseyi fadoro 

A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has reaffirmed his determination to become the next governor of Lagos State, stating that his political movement remains focused despite challenges experienced after the 2023 general elections.

Jandor made the declaration on Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the 8th Annual Ramadan Public Lecture organised by the Lagos4Lagos Movement at the premises of Lagos Television on Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

According to him, the lecture delivered by the guest speaker, Fadeelat Shaykh Alhaji Abdulhakeem Muhammadu Awwal (Al-Jejewiyy), on the theme “Economic Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation: The Islamic Perspective,” had contributed valuable ideas to his political manifesto.

He noted that the gathering represented only a portion of the movement’s leadership, explaining that many supporters were intentionally asked to stay away to avoid overcrowding the venue.

“The people you see here today are mainly executive members of the Lagos4Lagos Movement. We also have ward chairmen, local government executives, state leaders, and other stakeholders who meet with us regularly,” he said.

Jandor emphasised that the movement has remained active for nearly a decade and continued to hold meetings even after the disappointment of the 2023 elections.

“We did not begin today. After the 2023 elections, many expected that I would ask our supporters to disperse, but we remained united. We saw that period as a test from God. Till today, we still meet regularly at Liberty House,” he said.

He added that the group has reached a crucial stage in its political journey and remains hopeful that their efforts will eventually yield success.

Jandor also highlighted the fact that no individual from the Badagry Division of Lagos State has ever served as governor, expressing optimism that the situation could change in the near future.

He expressed confidence that by the next Ramadan season, supporters would be celebrating the fulfilment of their aspirations.

Delivering the Ramadan lecture, Islamic cleric Alhaji Abdulhakeem Muhammadu Awwal (Al-Jejewiyy) stressed that Islam provides guidance for all aspects of human life and emphasised the importance of economic justice within society.

Speaking on the concept of Zakat, the Islamic system of charity and wealth redistribution, he explained that it was instituted in the second year after the Hijrah and remains a vital tool for addressing poverty.

He noted that Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and requires eligible Muslims to give 2.5 percent of their surplus wealth annually to support the less privileged.

According to the cleric, Zakat is not restricted to cash donations alone but can also be given in forms such as gold, agricultural produce, and livestock.

He added that while many Muslims practise charity, structured systems for monitoring and administering Zakat are often lacking in many countries.

Awwal therefore suggested that governments establish Zakat committees made up of professionals to ensure proper management and distribution of funds.

He explained that when effectively managed, Zakat can be used to support entrepreneurship, provide scholarships, assist debtors, build hospitals, and cater to vulnerable members of society.

The event also attracted several traditional rulers and community leaders who offered prayers for Jandor’s political ambition.

The Osolu of Irewe Kingdom, Oba Abideen Durosinmi Agunbioyinbo, said the people’s support for Adediran stems from their confidence in his leadership.

Similarly, the Oloja of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiu Orimadegun Kasali, commended the organisation of the annual Ramadan lecture, describing the holy month as a period for spiritual reflection and seeking divine guidance.

“We pray that all the prayers offered for you will be answered and that God will give us a leader who governs with compassion and love for the people,” the monarch said.

Chairman of the planning committee, Dr. Idowu Agarau, explained that the Ramadan lecture series, which began eight years ago, was created to promote Islamic teachings and explore solutions to social and economic challenges.

Among dignitaries present at the event were the Grand Chief Imam of Ikeja Central Mosque, Alhaji (Sheikh) Adeola Ilo, the Onisheri of Isheri Kingdom, Oba Dr. Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal Bello, the Onishasa of Shasa Kingdom, Oba Nasirudeen Lawal Babatunde Akanni Ogunronbi, and the Onidimu of Idimuland, Oba (Dr.) Noah Olayiwola Adefimihan Surataj Ilo, alongside other traditional rulers and community leaders.